[One Day Walk] Migratory Birds Encountered on the Vast Mudflats... Ganghwa Nadeulgil Course 8

Course 8 of Ganghwa Nadeulgil starts from Chojijin and passes through Hwangsando, Seomamgyo, Donggeomdo, Seondu Fish Market, Huae Dondae, and ends at Buno-ri Dondae. The nickname of Course 8 is "The Road to See Migratory Birds." It is a total of 17.2 km long and takes 5 hours and 40 minutes. This coastal course located at the southern end of Ganghwa Island offers a refreshing embankment path with fresh sea breeze, tidal mudflat valleys formed by ebb and flow, wide mudflats, and a harmonious blend of islands and mountains, making it an excellent walking trip.

Today's starting point, Chojijin, is a fortress built in the late Joseon Dynasty to defend against invaders approaching from the west coast. Originally, Chojijin was a naval base located in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, but after the Byeongjahoran War, the defense system shifted to Ganghwa Island, and the coastal forts in the southwestern part of Gyeonggi Province were relocated here. During the Shinmiyangyo incident in 1871, Chojijin was occupied by invading American forces, resulting in the destruction of most of its facilities. Fierce battles also took place here during the Unyoho incident in 1875, when Japan forced Korea to open its ports. Although Chojijin fell into ruin during the Japanese colonial period, it was restored in the 1970s.

Hwangsando is another small island located within Ganghwa Island. It originally consisted of two islands, Daehwangsando and Sohwangsando, but Sohwangsando has since been reclaimed and disappeared, leaving Daehwangsando as the sole Hwangsando. Along the coast of Hwangsando, there is a wooden deck path where visitors can enjoy the sea. Walking above the water, you can also experience seeing various grasses and trees growing on the cliffs of Hwangsando.

From the southern part of Hwangsando to Ganghwa Island, a vast mudflat stretches out. The unique scenery created by the expansive mudflat and the migratory birds such as the black-faced spoonbill searching for food evoke a sense of wonder. However, when encountering the birds, it is crucial never to make threatening gestures like flapping your arms. Also, avoid making excessive noise that could disturb the birds.

Donggeomdo, which appears while walking along the mudflat, is another island within Ganghwa Island. It becomes an island during high tide but reconnects to Ganghwa Island through the mudflats at low tide. Being a small island, it offers a special experience of enjoying the sunrise on the eastern beach in the morning and the sunset on the western beach in the evening.

Huae Dondae, encountered midway, was built in 1679 by Yun Ije, the governor of Ganghwa, who mobilized 8,000 Seunggun soldiers from Hamgyeong, Hwanghae, and Gangwon provinces and 4,300 Eoyeonggun soldiers to construct it over 80 days for coastal defense. There is a legend in this area that if this dondae is damaged, disaster will follow, so it has been protected like an altar and has been well preserved to this day.

The final destination of today's course is Buno-ri Dondae. Unlike most dondae on Ganghwa Island, which are square or circular, this dondae is uniquely constructed in a crescent shape, utilizing the terrain of the area. Located at the southernmost tip of Ganghwa Island, it was considered so important that a separate garrison was assigned to guard it.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.